Hethe, Bicester, Oxon.
April 16th / 73

My Dear Uncle,

You cannot think how very pleased I was to hear from you and to hear that you and your dear wife are both enjoying good health and happy together may God ever keep you so, I have never heard anything of my poor brother Thomas for 30 years. I was very sorry to hear of his death [September 1859 in Aurora, IL, from consumption]. I should so very much like his likeness if you could [end of page]

[Page 2] send it to me. Perhaps if you would not send me his, you could his boys [probably "Willie" and Friend Claydon], I should indeed be very much pleased with either. Richard Jones of Hethe, the baker and Wesleyan preacher is dead but his widow is still living. She is 84 years, and Taylor Cleaver is dead, but his widow is still living. I have been very ill lately but thank God I am now better. My husband is well and in regular work thanks God I have five children. I lost my eldest about 12 months [end of page]

[Page 3] ago in consumption. He was 29 years of age [Urias LAKE, b. abt. 1842]. I have one other son living [William T. LAKE, b. abt. 1847]. I have one daughter in service and three at home and one has been ill for three years in consumption. My husband's mother is still living. She has been paralyzed for these last five years and 6 months. My youngest daughter is with her, my eldest brother died in America [Thomas Claydon], and my youngest sister Ann is living in America. This is her address [end of page]

[Page 4] Mrs. Hollowell
232 Flushing Ave
Nr. Morrell St
Williamsburgh
New York

Now Dear Uncle, I think I have no more to say. I shall indeed be much pleased to hear from you again. Please will you give my kindest love to my dear Brother's boy and what is his name? My husband and family all join with me in best love to you and your wife and may God ever bless, and keep you. From your affectionate Niece Maria Lake.